Al Horford Interview

An NBA All-Star Lets Us In On His Winning Formula

Quick Bio

Al Horford is one of the premier big men in the NBA. The third overall draft pick in 2007 has steadily improved his play and his numbers over the past five years and is looking to lead the Atlanta Hawks deep into the post-season. Horford is no stranger to championship titles -- he won back-to-back national titles with the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007. The 6'10" center is applauded for his consistent play and is regarded as one of the hardest working players around.

In between basketball and his family (he's married to former Miss Universe, and fellow Dominican, Amelia Vega) Horford takes time to involve himself in the community. He recently teamed with Hampton Hotels and its Hands-On Hamptonalitycommunity service program to renovate the Harland Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta. After the renovation was complete, Al helped celebrate the opening with the Hampton Hoops Classic basketball tournament, where he gave some advice to a few aspiring athletes. We chatted with the star as he prepared to face off against the Indiana Pacers.

Can you walk us through your game day during the playoffs?

Al Horford: I’ll get up, have a light breakfast -- very, very light -- just a snack and go to practice, where I’ll shoot around. After that I’ll come back home, have a big breakfast and just hang out at the house. Sometimes I’ll just watch some of my DVRed shows or read a little bit, either one, and take a nap -- I always try to nap. Then once I get up, I’ll eat my pre-game meal. I have a person who cooks for me, so it depends [what I eat], but it’s always a big meal. Then I’ll head to the arena two-three hours before the game, get some massage work and then start shooting and warming up and everything before the game.

Does your routine change for the playoffs?

AH: If anything I’m probably going to spend more time watching film. We’ll probably end up watching more film as a team. Besides that, I usually keep my same routine as simple as I can can. Just go about my business.

Do you think your routine changed at all since joining the NBA? Or have you figured you the formula that works for you?

AH: Whatever you start with at the beginning of the year, that’s what you want to carry out throughout the season and the playoffs -- if that's working for you. I find that I might change things from time to time, but once the season starts, I really try to keep a similar routine. But as long as you feel good about it, that’s all that matters.

Is your schedule busier during the playoffs or is it more simplified?

AH: Yeah, it can be a little more hectic because the media times that the NBA requires are usually a little bit longer. You also spend more time with the team, going over film and personnel, and really trying to get everything down.

How’s the hamstring?

AH: It’s better, man. I’ve had a chance to rest for a couple days. I just had a good practice. Now I’m just looking to get more than anything mentally ready for the playoffs.

How do you balance basketball and regular life? Do you see your family much during the playoffs?

AH: You know, they’re very understanding -- especially during the playoffs. They obviously know that my job is to be as relaxed as I can and to be focused on basketball and my job. My family is great respecting those areas. If I’m not doing any basketball-related stuff, then I’ll probably be hanging out with my wife or my family members.

How do you keep your play so consistent?

AH: It’s preparation -- that’s the key. Take care of your body. Whatever you do -- you don’t have to kill yourself everyday -- but whatever it is that you do, just try to keep your workouts and your work ethic the same. If you do that, you'll see the results on and off the court.

How do you get mentally prepared for a game?

AH: For home games, not on the road, I always get massages before. That helps bring me down and lets me relax for a while. On the road, I like to nap or I watch a show or a movie to get my mind off it.

We hear that you’re very involved in your community. Can you tell us about some of the projects that you support?

AH: I teamed up with Hampton Hotels and their Hands on Hamponality community service program. They partner up with the Boys and Girls Club, and we were all a part of the renovation of the Harland Club. They refurbished the court and I was also there for the donation to 24 different Boys and Girls Clubs around Atlanta -- that was pretty cool. I was also at their basketball tournament for kids ages 10-12. I watched them play and I hung out with the kids and took pictures with them. It was a pretty cool experience.